Internet in the Classroom

What are the advantages of using the Internet in our classrooms? In what ways might it be used?  Are there any concerns or problems with using the Internet?  How can these problems be overcome? 

     The Internet is an amazing resource.  It can allow us to experience things that we normally could not in our everyday lives.  One advantage to using the Internet is that there are many reliable resources that can be found for almost any topic.  The disadvantage, however, is that sometimes those reliable resources are difficult to find and students might become discouraged if they get lost in their search. You could try to lessen this problem by having students research in pairs; two heads are better than one.  Students might find those resources more easily and if not, they do not feel stupid. 

     Another fun activity that can be done using the Internet is to go on a virtual field trip.  This allows students to experience a place that they could not visit otherwise.  Students will enjoy using technology to discover a place they have never before seen! 

     I plan on using the Internet frequently in my classroom. This means that my students will be exposed to potentially bad sites.  I will make sure to keep an eye out for inappropriate sites and encourage proper computer navigation.

To blog, or not to blog?

I believe that blogs can be used in the classroom setting. I don't think it would be appropriate in an elementary classroom as much as it would be for middle school and high school settings. One way teachers can use blogs within the classroom is to discuss a book te entire class is reading. The teacher could post a question aboutthe reading and have students respond. This is just one of the many ways in which blogs could be used. There would of course be risks that come with it, however. Students using the Internet are always at risk for opening pages or sites that are inappropriate. Teachers using this method would have to closely monitor the students computer use. If the school I teach in allows blogs, I would definitely use them as long as the students are mature enough for it. It will get then interested more than worksheets ever could.

I'm Lindsey and I'm with the Constructivists...

Hello all. I am Lindsey and I am in your class. Yea! I have freckles and big black glasses.  I am getting my degree in Elementary Education because I want to be rich.  If I had to pick a theory of learning I identify with, I would have to choose the Constructivist theory.  This theory holds that we learn through our experiences.  We reflect on the experiences we have and our learning is derived form that reflection.  I believe the students learn from hands on activities an experiences.  Students must be shown how the topic of study is used in the real world.  This allows them to relate it to prior knowledge and enhance their learning.  The days of hour-long lectures are gone.  For teachers to be successful, they must allow students to have experiences with the topics so that they may construct their own learning from them. It has been a pleasure blogging with you this week.  Chao!

http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/constructivism/index.html